Paul Goodwin

Ben Whiteman is eyeing a quick return to the Championship with his new club after committing himself to Doncaster Rovers until 2021.

The 21-year-old midfielder has dropped down a level after leaving neighbours Sheffield United for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

But Whiteman, a former Manchester United scholar, does not plan on sticking around in League One for too long if he can help it.

“Obviously I’m playing in League One at the moment but I don’t want to limit myself to what level I can play at,” he told The Star.

“I’m still young and I want to play at the highest level that I can.

“It’s about getting game time for me because I’m only 21.

“I’ve signed here for the long term and I don’t want to be sat here in a couple of years time saying I’m a League One player.

“I want us to be pushing for the Championship, getting in there and seeing what happens from there.”

Whiteman returned to Bramall Lane last week following a successful loan at the Keepmoat Stadium - a loan which had been extended until the end of the season only to be jettisoned by Blades boss Chris Wilder at the last minute.

But after seeing midfield duo Ryan Leonard and Lee Evans arrive at United this week, Whiteman admitted the writing was on the wall for him.

“Obviously I went back with the intention of being in the squad but I heard whispers about that sort of stuff and it made my decision even easier really,” he said.

“I always wanted to come back anyway, be it a loan or permanent.

“With those players coming in it limited my chances even more of playing at Sheffield United so the decision was easy.”

He added: “I’m really pleased to get it done. It’s happened quickly but I’m over the moon.

“I wasn’t really expecting a recall but I’m back now and back for the long term.

“I just want to keep on playing football and the manager, staff, players and fans here have been different class.”